Bird walk with migratory birds
Spring is here, so many birds are migrating. On their way between Africa and Siberia the Wadden Sea is the perfect spot for them to rest and recover from their long trip. The black-tailed godwit and the spoonbill return from the south to breed and winter guests prepare to leave. The first nests have been built, and territories are defended fiercely. Experience spring with the forest ranger.
Breeding bird excursion
The Natuurmonumenten ranger takes you on a walk on the Oosterkwelder. Between April and July hundreds of sea gulls breed here – an unforgettable experience.
During the breeding season this salt marsh is closed for the public. Participating in this excursion offers you the unique opportunity to explore this marsh area, together with the ranger. And you will see more than just breeding gulls.
On our way there is also a change of seeing overflying spoonbills, short-eared owls, harriers, curlews, wheatears, and larks. And we will taste salty sea aster and glasswort, and smell sea wormwood.
Walk through the dunes and the forest
Variety is the key word during this encounter with the dunes and woods to the northeast of the village. We take a walk through young and older dunes, coniferous and deciduous woods, wet and dry areas. Discover the rich flora and fauna of Schiermonnikoog and listen to stories about a German count, northern and southern slopes, witches’ brooms, rabbits, hares and more.
Mudflat excursion
At first sight the mudflats seem a deserted, smelly, muddy mess. But when you take a closer look, you will see that the bottom of the Wadden Sea is full of life. Take a walk on the seafloor and meet the sandworm, the shrimp, and the cockle, in one of Europe’s most special natural environments.
Beachcombing
When storms buzz over the island, the beachcombers heart starts beating faster: what loot can be found on the beach this time? We visit the beach and hunt for treasures from the sea. Crabs, shells, jellyfish, and maybe a message in a bottle… Who knows?
Dune safari
Schiermonnikoog has a beautiful dune area. There are a lot of dune valleys with exceptional flowers and rare plants. But if we wouldn’t intervene, those dunes would soon become overgrown… For this reason, the last few years big grazers have been introduced in the dunes; they help our rangers in keeping the dunes open.
During this stroll in the dunes, we look for tracks and traces from big and small grazers and for special flowers and plants. And who knows, maybe we meet the grazers themselves.
Star walk
Schiermonnikoog is one of the darkest places of the Netherlands. During the star walk you’ll learn a lot about the stars and the planets, the moon, the Milky Way and other fascinating celestial phenomena. When the sky is clear, of course we look at the different star signs that are visible, but this walk through the dark is also worthwhile when the sky is overcast.
Evening walk
Join us on a walk through the historical village, via the dunes, to the ‘burning’ lighthouse. During this excursion, the guide will tell you about the history of the island and about natural evening phenomena.
General information
- prices: adults € 10,- | children up to 12 years old € 5,-
- prices evening excursions: adults € 12,50 | children up to 12 years old € 6,25
- members of Natuurmonumenten / OERRR pay 30% less
- excursions last about two hours
- the price for the birding excursion includes the use of binoculars
- the price for the mudflat excursion includes the use of rubber boots
- dogs are not allowed
- the guide may cancel the excursion due to harsh weather conditions
- for all our excursions there is a minimum of five participants
- you can find our actual excursion program in our activity calendar (you can buy tickets here as well).
- you can also buy tickets in information centre Het Baken
Important
Our regular excursions are in Dutch, but we can try to find an English-speaking guide for you. During the summer, we sometimes offer English spoken excursions.
Group excursions
Are you visiting Schiermonnikoog with a group? If you like, we can organize a special event for you and consider your wishes and personal interests. Please call us in advance to discuss the options.
In every season
Of course, we also have excursions in summer, in autumn and in winter. During school holidays you can participate in one of our family activities.
Do-it-yourself
Apart from excursions we also have a lot of activities that you can do yourself. For example, the WADDEN excursions kit from the Waddenvereniging, do-it-yourself nature activities for families on the beach and around the Westerplas, the one-and-only Schiermonnikoog bingo and much more. Visit Het Baken and choose the activity that suits you most.